Overall Member Rating

Carnival Liberty 10/20/12

Had a wonderful time for our second cruise on the Liberty. Embarkation seemed to be easier this time with no lines. We took a cab from MIA for $25.00 and split with another couple going to the port. Our balcony cabin, 1030, was one of just a few staterooms on the 10th deck. This was close to pool and activities, as well as buffet. It was very quiet, no noise from above or below. The bed was comfortable and the linens were very nice and changed daily. Bathroom adequate with small shower and plenty of hot water. Enough storage space for all our stuff, and room under the bed for suitcases. Had a nice couch and table and 2 chairs with 1 table on the balcony. Our cabin stewards were very friendly and accommodating.

We had second seating in the silver dining room. Our water, Ismael, did an excellent job as well as his staff. All of the food was well prepared and the presentation was beautiful. There was a variety of items to choose from, and a "didga" appetizer, as in More
did ya ever? This included frog legs, escargot, and sushi choices. I had seafood most nights and was very good, no fishy taste. The buffet is pretty standard. They have a Mongolian section where food is cooked to order, but this had long lines. The sushi is now on buffet, the regular sushi bar is now a "taste bar". This was a huge disappointment for us. Guy's burgers were also disappointing. Not cooked fresh, just sitting there. The pizza is vastly improved, made to order, with a nice variety of choices and thin delicious crust. The fish and chips was very good as well, although a bit greasy. All in all, food gets A+.

The entertainment was OK. The production shows were the same as last year and have improved some. The comedians were hilarious, and the entertainers brought in special (a blues singer and juggler) were better than Carnival's cast. The 10 piece band is terrific. Some of the singers throughout the ship, such as lobby and Blue Iguana were pretty terrible. The piano man did a wonderful job.

We went to 3 ports. The fourth, Grand Cayman, was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy. Obviously this wasn't Carnival's fault, however, they were still giving out tender tickets in Victoria Lounge, while crew by deck 0 said shore was cancelled. Guests were all over the ship with their gear, trying to figure out what they were supposed to do, and the official word came over intercom about 45 minutes after crew told us shore was cancelled. We felt this was a major mistake on Carnival's part.

We carried off our bags, do disembarkation was extremely easy. All in all, we had a wonderful time and recommend this cruise. Less

Port and Shore Excursions

Went cave tubing with Charlie Chan. What a great guy and guide. He's a pioneer in cave tubing and has taught many of the other guides in Belize. He picked us up right outside port in a nice air conditioned van. During the hour or so ride, he entertained us with the history of Belize as well as Mayan culture. He obviously loves his country and his heritage. We had about a 35 minute walk to the river, where he pointed out many plants and their medicinal uses. We carried our deflated tubes, and then he blew them up at the river site. We were on the river about an hour, and went through 2 huge beautiful caves. We had lights strapped on our heads, and Charlie pointed out interesting rock formations and told us a lot of cave history and lore. He also called out bats! The river itself is unspoiled and not cold at all. When we were done, he deflated our tubes and we carried them back to the van. Then we had some time to look around the vendors or eat lunch. On the way back to Belize City, he again entertained us with many stories. We mentioned we like conch, and he even found the street vendor who sells fritters off his bicycle! We had a wonderful time with Charlie Chan. The cruise excursions were packed like sardines and we had one on one service from a fabulous guide.

Snorkeling

Spent another great day snorkeling with Eagle Ray Divers. Walked to the marina, 15 minutes, or 5 minute cab ride. Tony, the guide, free dives to point out the sights. We say turtle, stingrays, giant black grouper, Morey eels, and many beautiful fish on our 2 site dive. They have cold drinks, beer, and snacks on board. It was us and 1 other couple on the excursion. Avoid the crowds on the cruise excursions and choose Eagle Ray Divers. They are terrific!

We went snorkeling off the cruise ship's beach in Roatan. The ship docks here, so it's about a 5 minute walk to the beach. We have our own gear, so we carried it down, found lounge chairs, and hit the water. There's a really nice reef to the left of the dock, with lots of beautiful fish and coral formations. They also have free wi-fi here in the restaurant area we didn't know about. This is a relaxing spot and the snorkeling was a nice surprise.